Package configured to hold products and having active member attached to an interior surface thereof, and method of making same

ABSTRACT

A package for containing liquid-exuding product is formed of a single sheet of film that is folded and sealed at certain locations. The package can include an active member, optionally in the form of absorbent, that is heat staked or otherwise attached to a portion of the sheet of film such that the active member is located on an interior surface of a bottom of the folded and sealed package.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 63/200,236, filed Feb. 23, 2021, and U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 63/004,295, filed Apr. 2, 2020, the entire disclosure of each ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The presently disclosed technology relates generally to packages forcontaining product, such as, but not limited to, liquid-exuding product,foodstuff, and/or other (e.g., perishable) product. In one optionalembodiment, the presently disclosed technology relates to a stand-uppouch having an absorbent layer attached to or integrally formed with oronto an inside of the pouch, such as at a bottom of the pouch.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Stand-up pouches are known to hold a variety of items, such as soap,certain foodstuff (e.g., pretzels), or items that may include purge(also known as “liquid-exuding product”), such as, but not limited to,fresh cut fruit, frozen or fresh seafood or poultry products.

These prior art pouches can be produced or formed from a single piece offilm, which is folded and sealed upon itself, such as described in U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0161174, which is herebyincorporated by reference. One current manufacturer of such pouches isAQUA STAR® of Seattle, Wash. Alternatively, these prior art pouches canbe produced by attaching two or more pieces of film, for example whereduring manufacturing a bottom piece or sheet is moved transversely intoa path of one or more other pieces or sheets, and then the variouspieces or sheets are attached.

Conventional pouches are produced without an absorbent integrated intoor otherwise attached to the pouch. Instead, in instances of holdingliquid-exuding product in prior art pouches, one or more absorbent padsare added or inserted to the interior of the completed pouch (loosely)after the pouch is formed and at the time or shortly before the pouch isfilled with product. Such conventional pads are not fixed to the pouch,but can move inside the pouch.

The addition of an absorbent pad to prior art pouches can be relativelyexpensive, and is an extra step required during assembly or filling ofthe pouch. Further, the absorbent may not stay positioned in the desiredlocation within the pouch, and has the potential to be useless or atleast less effective if it moves (e.g., away from the bottom or if thepouch is titled) during transport or while being stocked on a shelf. Inaddition, such loose pads can undesirably mix in or be mistaken formother contents (e.g., foodstuff) of the pouch.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Despite the numerous benefits of the above and other prior artteachings, it would be desirable for a stand-up pouch to include anactive member (e.g., including an absorbent, a releasing agent, anantimicrobial agent, a desiccant, an oxygen scavenger, and/or the like)fixed or adhered to the film of the pouch before the film is folded,sealed, and/or created into the final shape of the pouch. Users ofconventional pouches with separate absorbent often complain that whenthe product is transported or thawed, for example, the purge is notadequately or fully absorbed because the absorbent is not maintained inthe desired location (e.g., the bottom of the pouch). This can result inundesirable degradation of the product, resulting in the product beingunfit or at least less than ideal for consumption or use.

The presently disclosed technology makes-up for the above and otherdrawbacks of the prior art, and accomplishes the above and other goals.In particular, in one aspect, the presently disclosed technology ensuresthat the active member (e.g., an absorbent) will always be located in apredetermined location (e.g., at the bottom of the pouch) and willsubstantially or entirely absorb the free liquid of the contents of theproduct. In addition, the individual or entity filling the pouch withproduct will not have to add a separate absorbent, for example, duringthe packaging of the product.

In one aspect, the presently disclosed technology is directed to asingle-use, stand-up pouch formed of one or more sheets of film that arefolded, sealed, and/or attached into a final shape of a pouch. The pouchoptionally includes an active member attached, fixed, and/or formedintegrally with or onto an interior surface of a bottom of the pouch.Optionally, the active member is thermally bonded, e.g., heat staked,thermoplastic staked, welded, or otherwise fixed or adhered (e.g.,glued) to the interior surface of the bottom of the pouch.

Optionally, one method according to the presently disclosed technologyincludes heat staking an absorbent to a flat sheet of film and thenfolding the sheet of film into the shape of a pouch, such that theabsorbent is located on an interior surface of a bottom of the pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when readin conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numeralsdesignate like elements throughout. For the purpose of illustrating thepresently disclosed technology, there are shown in the drawings variousillustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that thepresently disclosed technology is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package according to one optionalembodiment of the presently disclosed technology;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of at least a portion of a sheetof film, which can be folded, sealed, and/or added to one or more otherpieces or sheets of film to form the package of FIG. 1 , and an activemember according to one optional embodiment of the presently disclosedtechnology;

FIG. 3 is a magnified cross-sectional elevation view of at least aportion of the film and active member shown in FIG. 2 , where theportion of the package is shown in an unfolded and/or unsealed form, andwhere the cross-section is taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2

FIG. 4 is gusseted bottom pouch-making machine according to the priorart;

FIG. 5 is a view of a portion of a gusseted bottom pouch-making machineaccording to one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology;

FIG. 6 is a portion of a flat bottom pouch-making machine according toone embodiment of the presently disclosed technology;

FIG. 7 is another portion of a flat bottom pouch-making machineaccording to one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology; and

FIG. 8 is another portion of a flat bottom pouch-making machineaccording to one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While systems, devices and methods are described herein by way ofexamples and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize that thepresently disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments ordrawings described. Rather, the presently disclosed technology coversall modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within thespirit and scope of the appended claims. Features of any one embodimentdisclosed herein can be omitted or incorporated into another embodiment.

Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As usedherein, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaninghaving the potential to) rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaningmust). Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and“the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read asmeaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above,derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

The term “liquid-exuding product” is broadly defined herein to includeany product or products (e.g., foodstuff) from which moisture or liquid(e.g., oil and/or water) can (a) be emitted (such as meats, fish,poultry, fruits, vegetables and the like), and/or (b) form on, adhereto, and/or release from depending upon the particular environment oratmosphere (e.g., due to the dew point temperature).

Thermoplastic staking (sometimes referred to herein as “thermoforming”or “thermostaking”) or heat staking is a process that uses heat todeform a plastic boss. In one optional embodiment, a plastic studprotruding from one component fits into a hole in the second component.The stud can then be deformed through the softening of the plastic toform a head, which can mechanically lock the two components together.Heat staking is a versatile technique that is quick, economical andconsistent. Staking has the ability to join plastics to other materials(e.g. metal, PCB's) in addition to joining like or dissimilar plastics.

Optionally, a package of the presently disclosed technology can be inthe form of a pouch, such as a stand-up pouch or a pouch without adefined shape. An active member (e.g., an absorbent) can be provided on,optionally fixedly attached to, or integrally formed with or onto atleast a portion (e.g., an interior surface of a bottom) of the package.

In one embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed to aprocess or method to ensure that the liquid exuding from a productwithin the package is absorbed by an absorbent within the package.

Referring now in detail to the various figures of the drawings whereinlike reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, FIG. 1 shows apackage, generally designated 10, which can be used according to anaspect of the disclosed concept. Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ,the package 10 can be formed by or from a single sheet of film 12, ortwo or more separate pieces of the film 12. One side 13 a (e.g., bottomand/or exterior side) of the film 12 can optionally include indicia oradvertisement(s) 14 (e.g., such as in the form of a separate label orwriting directly on the film 12). A second or opposing side 13 b (e.g.,top and/or interior side) of the film 12 can optionally be devoid of anyindicia or advertisement.

Optionally, the film 12 can be rolled, folded, manipulated, cut, and/orat least partially or completely sealed to form a pouch. Optionally, thepackage 10 can be formed from two or more distinct pieces of film 12,which can be attached or adhered at distinct forms to create the desiredshape of the pouch. The film 12 is not limited to a particular type orstyle, and can be clear, transparent, translucent, opaque, or the like.The final form of the package 10 can be a stand-up pouch (e.g., in whichthe pouch can stand-up under its own strength with the bottom thereoffacing the support surface), such as shown in FIG. 1 , or the package 10can have an undefined shape (e.g., a frozen bag of corn or peas).

Prior to forming or folding the package 10, an active member 16 can beattached to the opposing side 13 b of the film. Optionally, when thepouch is formed and ready to receive product (e.g., liquid-exudingproduct), the active member 16 is located at or proximate to a bottom ofthe pouch (e.g., opposite the opening to a cavity formed by the pouch).The active member 16 can be attached to the film 12 by heat staking, forexample, or by other means, such as thermoforming, adhesive, one or morefasteners, and/or the like.

In any optional embodiment, the active member 16 can be an absorbent.However, the present disclosure is not so limited. For example, theactive member 16 can be an entrained material or polymer includes a basematerial (e.g., polymer) for providing structure, optionally achanneling agent, and an active agent. However, other variations of anactive member are possible. For example, an active member can alsoconsist of a base material and an active agent, without a channelingagent. The channeling agent ca form microscopic interconnecting channelsthrough the entrained polymer. In other embodiments, the active member16 can be or include a releasing agent, an antimicrobial agent, adesiccant, an oxygen scavenger, and/or the like.

Optionally, the active member 16 can be in the form of or include a pad.In one optional embodiment, a porous material that can include, house,or at least partially surround the absorbent material (e.g., powder), orcan retain the absorbent material in or more reservoirs in the porousmaterial. In one optional embodiment, the pad can include a nonwoven.

Optionally, the pad can be attached to the sheet of film 12 by placing aheating element above the pad (e.g., nonwoven). The nonwoven canoptionally include a sheath core of polypropylene (PP)-polyethylene (PE)composition. In operation, the PE melts and sticks to the film beneaththe pad. In another optional embodiment, the pad with absorbent material(e.g., powder) in it can be heat staked to the sheet of film.Alternatively, during formation of the package 10, a dispenser coulddispense loose granules of absorbent onto the film 12 and then anonwoven can be heat staked on top of the loose granules, therebyholding the loose granules in place with respect to a portion of thefilm 12.

In one embodiment, the nonwoven includes or is composed of polyethyleneterephthalates and polyethylene in a sheath and core configuration,thereby allowing the nonwoven to be heat sealed to the film. Optionally,the nonwoven can have a density of approximately 20 g/m², or in therange of 10-30 g/m² or in the range of 10-50 g/m². Optionally, thenonwoven can have a thickness of 50 to 250 microns, optionallyapproximately 130 microns.

In one optional embodiment, the absorbent material can be or includecode II silica or aluminum silica gel with an average particle size of(or less than) 1 mm Optionally, the absorbent material can include oneor more of a gel, a mineral (e.g., salt) and a cross link (e.g.,bifunctional water-soluble crosslinker for carboxyl, amine and hydroxylfunctional polymers, or ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDGE)).Optionally, the absorbent retains any, all, or most liquid exuded fromthe liquid-exuding product. In one embodiment, the absorbent can be asuperabsorbent, which in a dehydrated state occupies very little or lowvolume and creates very little or less bulk.

Optionally, the absorbent is formed of or includes liquid absorbingparticles, preferably larger than 100 μm. Optionally, the absorbentincludes or is comprised of silica either natural or synthetic withvarying cations.

Optionally, the absorbent can be a composition of matter (e.g., powdermixture) or a single article (e.g., sponge), for example.

Absorbent materials usable in conjunction with methods according to thedisclosed concepts include food safe absorbent materials having anabsorbent composition of matter suitable for use with food products. Theabsorbent composition of matter has an absorbency, the absorbency beingdefined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight of the absorbent compositionof matter.

In any embodiment, the absorbent can include a cross-linked or anon-cross-linked gel-forming polymer. Such gel-forming polymer can bewater soluble or insoluble. In any embodiment, the absorbent can furtherinclude at least one of the following: 1) at least one mineralcomposition, 2) at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalentcation, and/or 3) an inorganic buffer.

In an optional embodiment, the absorbent can include at least onenon-crosslinked gel-forming water soluble polymer having a firstabsorbency, the first absorbency being defined by weight of liquidabsorbed/weight of the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer,the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer being food safe,the absorbent composition of matter being compatible with food productssuch that the absorbent composition of matter is food safe when indirect contact with the food products.

In an optional embodiment, the absorbent can include the following: (i)at least one non-crosslinked gel-forming water soluble polymer having afirst absorbency, the first absorbency being defined by weight of liquidabsorbed/weight of the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer,the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer being food safe;and (ii) at least one mineral composition having a second absorbency,the second absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weightof the at least one mineral composition, the at least one mineralcomposition being food safe, the absorbency of the absorbent materialexceeding the first absorbency and the second absorbency, the absorbentmaterial being compatible with food products such that the absorbentcomposition of matter is food safe when in direct contact with the foodproducts. It should, however, be understood that alternative absorbentssuch as those described above may be used in accordance with thedisclosed concept.

In an optional embodiment, the absorbent can include the following: (i)at least one non-crosslinked gel-forming water soluble polymer having afirst absorbency, the first absorbency being defined by weight of liquidabsorbed/weight of the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer,the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer being food safe;and (ii) at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalent cation,the at least one soluble salt having at least one trivalent cation beingfood safe, the absorbency of the absorbent material exceeding the firstabsorbency and the second absorbency, the absorbent material beingcompatible with food products such that the absorbent composition ofmatter is food safe when in direct contact with the food products. Itshould, however, be understood that alternative absorbent materials suchas those described above may be used in accordance with the disclosedconcept.

In an optional embodiment, the absorbent can include the following: (i)at least one non-crosslinked gel-forming water soluble polymer having afirst absorbency, the first absorbency being defined by weight of liquidabsorbed/weight of the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer,the at least one non-crosslinked gel forming polymer being food safe;(ii) at least one mineral composition having a second absorbency, thesecond absorbency being defined by weight of liquid absorbed/weight ofthe at least one mineral composition, the at least one mineralcomposition being food safe; and/or (iii) at least one soluble salthaving at least one trivalent cation, the at least one soluble salthaving at least one trivalent cation being food safe, the absorbency ofthe absorbent composition of matter exceeding a sum of the firstabsorbency and the second absorbency, the absorbent material beingcompatible with food products such that the absorbent composition ofmatter is food safe when in direct contact with the food products. Itshould, however, be understood that alternative absorbent materials suchas those described above may be used in accordance with the disclosedconcept. Any of the embodiments of the absorbent composition of matterdescribed above may optionally comprise an inorganic or organic buffer.

Optionally, the absorbent can contain from about 10% to 90% by weight,preferably from about 50% to about 80% by weight, and most preferablyfrom about 70% to 75% by weight polymer. The non-crosslinked gel formingpolymer can be a cellulose derivative such as carboxymethylcellulose(CMC) and salts thereof, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose,hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, gelatinized starches, gelatin, dextrose,and other similar components, and may be a mixture of the above. Certaintypes and grades of CMC are approved for use with food items and arepreferred when the absorbent is to be so used. The preferred polymer isa CMC, most preferably sodium salt of CMC having a degree ofsubstitution of about 0.7 to 0.9. The degree of substitution refers tothe proportion of hydroxyl groups in the cellulose molecule that havetheir hydrogen substituted by a carboxymethyl group. The viscosity of a1% solution of CMC at 25° C., read on a Brookfield viscometer, should bein the range of about 2500 to 12,000 mPa. The CMC used in the Examplesfollowing was obtained from Hercules, Inc. of Wilmington, Del. (underthe trade name B315) or from AKZO Nobel of Stratford, Conn. (under thetrade name AF3085).

Optionally, a clay ingredient of the absorbent can be of any variety ofmaterials and is preferably attapulgite, montmorillonite (includingbentonite clays such as hectorite), sericite, kaolin, diatomaceousearth, silica, and other similar materials, and mixtures thereof.Preferably, bentonite is used. Bentonite is a type of montmorilloniteand is principally a colloidal hydrated aluminum silicate and containsvarying quantities of iron, alkali, and alkaline earths. The preferredtype of bentonite is hectorite which is mined from specific areas,principally in Nevada. Bentonite used in the Examples following wasobtained from American Colloid Company of Arlington Heights, Ill. underthe trade name BENTONITE AE-H.

Diatomaceous earth is formed from the fossilized remains of diatoms,which are structured somewhat like honeycomb or sponge. Diatomaceousearth absorbs fluids without swelling by accumulating the fluids in theinterstices of the structure. Diatomaceous earth was obtained from theAmerican Colloid Company.

In one optional embodiment, clay and diatomaceous earth are present inan amount from about 10-90% by weight, optionally about 20-30% byweight, however, some applications, such as when the absorbent materialis to be used to absorb solutions having a high alkalinity, i.e.,marinades for poultry, can incorporate up to about 50% diatomaceousearth. The diatomaceous earth can replace nearly all of the clay, withup to about 2% by weight remaining clay.

Optionally, a trivalent cation is provided in a soluble salt, such asderived from aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, and othersoluble salts of metal ions such as aluminum, chromium, and the like.Optionally, the trivalent cation is present at about 1% to 20%, mostpreferably at about 1% to 8%.

An inorganic buffer is one such as sodium carbonate (soda ash), sodiumhexametaphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and other similar materials.An organic buffer in the absorbent can be citric acid, monopotassiumphosphate, or buffer mixture with a set pH range. If a buffer is used,it is optionally at about 0.6%, however, beneficial results have beenachieved with amounts up to about 15% by weight.

The mixture of the non-crosslinked gel forming polymer, trivalentcation, and clay forms an absorbent material which, when hydrated, hasan improved gel strength over the non-crosslinked gel forming polymeralone. Further, the gel exhibits minimal syneresis, which is exudationof the liquid component of a gel.

In addition, the combined ingredients form an absorbent material whichhas an absorbent capacity which exceeds the total absorbent capacity ofthe ingredients individually. While not limited by this theory, itappears that the trivalent cation provides a cross-linking effect on theCMC once in solution, and that the clay swells to absorb and stabilizethe gels. Further, as shown by Example D of Table 1 below, it appearsthat, in some cases at least, it is not necessary to add trivalentcation. It is thought that perhaps a sufficient amount of trivalentcation is present in the bentonite and diatomaceous earth to provide thecrosslinking effect.

The gels formed by the absorbent material of the invention are glassclear, firm gels which may have applications in other areas such as forcosmetic materials. Some embodiments of the disclosed concept are setforth in Table 1. As used in Table 1, absorption is defined as theincreased weight achieved in an absorbent pad structure of the typedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,034, following placement of such pad ina tray-type container with 0.2% saline therein in such quantities as tonot limit the access of fluid to the pad for up to 72-96 hours until nofurther increase of weight is apparent. The net absorption is thedifference between the final weight of the pad and the dry startingweight, after deducting the net absorbency of the base pad materialother than the absorbent blend i.e. the fabric component. This isconverted to a gram/gram number by dividing the net absorption by thetotal weight of absorbent blend incorporated in the pad. Such aprocedure is accurate for comparative purposes when the pad structureused is the same for all the tested blends.

TABLE 1 EXAMPLES OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Absorbency-gm/gm IndividualExpected from Actual/ Ingredient weight % Ingredient Summation ActualExpected A CMC-B315 71.3 35 26.59 43.12 162.17% Potassium AluminumSulfate 6.19 0 Bentonite (i.e., Hectorite) 22.5 7 B CMC-AF3085 71.2 3527.5 53.94 196.15% Potassium Aluminum Sulfate 6.32 0 Diatomaceous Earth20.2 12 Bentonite 2.25 7 C CMC-AF3085 74.4 35 28.75 65.37 227.37%Potassium Aluminum Sulfate 1.47 0 Diatomaceous Earth 21.2 12 Bentonite2.35 7 Soda Ash (sodium carbonate) 0.58 0 D CMC-AF3085 70 35 26.12 56.74217.23% Diatomaceous Earth 27 12 Bentonite 3 7 E granulated CMC-AF308570.7 35 26.37 49.17 186.46% Potassium Aluminum Sulfate 6.14 0 Bentonite23.2 7 F CMC-AF3085 70.8 35 Potassium Aluminum Sulfate 6.89 0 27.3551.79 189.36% Bentonite 2.23 7 Diatomaceous Earth 20.1 12 G CMC-AF308554.0 35 24.67 48.97 198.5% Bentonite 40.0 7 Alginate 5.94 50 CalciumChloride 0.06 0 H CMC-AF3085 75.3 35 27.98 62.51 223.4% Bentonite 23.2 7Potassium Aluminum Sulfate 1.5 0 I CMC-AF3085 73.5 35 27.35 64.42 235.5%Bentonite 23.2 7 Potassium Aluminum Sulfate 3.3 0 J CMC-B315 31.82 3518.46 32.85 177.9% Diatomaceous Earth 54.96 12 Bentonite 10.44 7Potassium Aluminum Sulfate 2.78 0

It is apparent from Table 1 that a significant synergistic effect hasbeen achieved in the absorption behavior of these blends, resulting indramatic improvement in absorption capacity of the blends compared tothe individual components. As the non-CMC ingredients are of much lowercost than CMC itself, the blends achieve major reductions in cost perunit weight of absorption.

The absorbent is not particularly limited to any material class.However, in certain uses, the absorbent needs to be food safe, possessesa desirable absorbency, and exhibits a minimum syneresis. For example,the absorbent material may include one or more of the following: tissuepaper, cotton, sponge, fluff pulp, polysaccharide, polyacrylate,psillium fiber, guar gum, locust bean gum, gellan gum, alginic acid,xyloglucan, pectin, chitosan, poly(DL-lactic acid),poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide), poly-caprolactone, polyacrylamidecopolymer, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymer, cross-linkedcarboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, cross-linkedpolyethylene oxide, starch grafted copolymer of polyacrylonitrile, and across-linked or non-cross-linked gel-forming polymer.

In one aspect, the pouch 10 of the presently disclosed technology can beformed by, on, in, or with a gusseted bottom pouch-making machine. FIG.4 shows a conventional gusseted bottom pouch-making machine, generallydesignated 100. As shown in FIG. 5 , the active member 16 can bedeposited or attached to the film 12 near or adjacent to a fold point102 in the conventional gusseted bottom pouch-making machine 100. Forexample, the absorbent 16 can be attached to the film 12 either to theright or the left of the fold point 102 shown in FIG. 5 . Moreparticularly, the absorbent 16 can be attached or secured to the secondor opposing side 13 b (e.g., top and/or interior side) of the film 12.The fold point 102 can be a bar or rod that the film 12 travels pastand/or around. The fold point 102 can optionally extend along a singlevertical axis. The step of depositing or attaching the active member 16to the film 12 can be completed by a separate machine, or an add-on orextension to the gusseted bottom pouch-making machine.

In another aspect, the pouch 10 of the presently disclosed technologycan be formed by, on, or with a flat bottom pouch-making machine. Asshown in FIG. 6 , the beginning or an early stage of a flat bottompouch-making machine includes unwinding or unrolling a roll 252 of thefilm 12. The film 12 can be fed over or around separators or rods toposition the film 12 in the desired orientation (e.g., flat) toeventually receive the active member 16 and be formed into a pouch. Asshown in FIG. 7 , a downstream stage of a flat bottom pouch-makingmachine can include a folding plow 254, which is designed to manipulatethe film 12 into a particular or desired configuration.

According to one aspect of the presently disclosed technology, theactive member 16 (e.g., in a premade or final form) can be deposited orattached to the film 12 after or downstream of (i.e., after) the roll252 and before or upstream of (i.e., before) the folding plow 254. Afterthe active member 16 is attached or adhered to the film 12, optionallythe active member 16 eventually forms or is part of the bottom surfaceof the pouch 10. In particular, as shown in FIG. 8 , the piece 256 ofthe film 12 that eventually becomes the bottom of the pouch 10 canoptionally be moved transversely into a path of one or more other pieces258 of the film 12, and eventually all pieces are attached together toform the finalized pouch 10. A movable head 260 can grab, lift, and/orcut the piece 256 of the film 12 and move it into place to be attachedor adhered to the one or more other pieces 258 of the film. 12.

In either manufacturing method described above (e.g., FIGS. 5-7 ),absorbent material, optionally in the form of absorbent powder orgranules, can be applied to or deposited on a predetermined location ofthe film 12. In one optional embodiment, a roll can be employed todeposit the absorbent material to the film 12. Next, a nonwoven item canbe placed on top of the absorbent material, thereby sandwiching theabsorbent material between the nonwoven item and the film 12.Optionally, the nonwoven item can form a pocket or include one or morepockets to container the absorbent material. The amount of absorbent canbe modified depending upon the particular application and customerneeds. Next, the nonwoven item can be fixed to the film 12, such asthrough heat staking, thermoform staking, welding, and/or by a food-safeadhesive.

In an optional embodiment, an active member (e.g., an absorbent) isattached to film at one stage of a vertical form fill and seal machineor a horizontal form fill and seal machine. For example, a premadeactive member, optionally with absorbent material inside or contained bya nonwoven component and the film), can be attached to a portion of aroll of film 12 as the film 12 is formed into a pouch or container by avertical form fill and seal machine (VFFS) or a horizontal form fill andseal machine (HFFS). In a different example, the active member can beformed or constructed (e.g., enclosing or attaching absorbent materialin a nonwoven component and/or the film) during formation of the pouchor counter instead of the active member being premade.

The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects ofthe presently disclosed technology and are part of this DetailedDescription. These exemplary embodiments are set forth in a formatsubstantially akin to claims (each set including a numerical designationfollowed by a letter (e.g., “A,” “B,” etc.), although they are nottechnically claims of the present application. The following exemplaryembodiments refer to each other in dependent relationships as“embodiments” instead of “claims.”

1A. A stand-up pouch having an absorbent pad heat staked to an interiorsurface of a bottom of the pouch.

2A. The pouch of embodiment 1A, wherein the absorbent is formed of afood-safe material.

3A. The pouch of embodiment 1A or 2A, further comprising foodstufflocated inside the pouch.

4A. The pouch of embodiment 3A, wherein the foodstuff includes frozenfresh foodstuff.

5A. The pouch of embodiment 4A, wherein the frozen fresh foodstuff isfrozen fresh shrimp or other frozen fresh seafood or frozen fresh fruitor frozen fresh vegetables.

1B. A package for containing liquid-exuding product, the package beingformed of a single sheet of film that is folded at certain locations toform a stand-up pouch, the package comprising:

means for attaching an absorbent to a portion of the single sheet offilm such that the absorbent is located on an interior surface of abottom of the folded package.

2B. The package of embodiment 1B, wherein the means for attaching isheat staking.

3B. The package of embodiment 1B, wherein the means for attaching isadhesive.

4B. The package of embodiment 1B, wherein the means for attaching isthermoforming.

1C. A stand-up pouch comprising an absorbent integrated into a bottom ofthe pouch.

2C. The stand-up pouch of embodiment 1C, wherein the absorbent is in theform of a pad.

3C. The stand-up pouch of embodiment 1C or 2C, further comprising frozenfresh foodstuff inside the pouch.

While the presently disclosed technology has been described in detailand with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It isunderstood, therefore, that the presently disclosed technology is notlimited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended tocover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present presentlydisclosed technology as defined by the appended claims.

1. A stand-up pouch configured to contain liquid-exuding product, thestand-up pouch being formed from a single sheet of film that is foldedand sealed at certain locations or two or more sheets of film that areattached at certain locations, the stand-up pouch comprising: a nonwovenattached to a portion of the film, the nonwoven forming a pocket in thestand-up pouch; and absorbent material located in the pocket at aninterior surface of a bottom of the stand-up pouch.
 2. (canceled) 3.(canceled)
 4. The stand-up pouch of claim 1, wherein the nonwovenincludes a sheath core formed of a polypropylene (PP)-polyethylene (PE)composition.
 5. The stand-up pouch of claim 1, wherein the absorbentmaterial is in the form of or includes loose granules or a powder. 6.The stand-up pouch of claim 1, wherein the absorbent material is placedon the sheet of film before the nonwoven is attached to the film. 7.(canceled)
 8. The stand-up pouch of claim 1, wherein the activecomponent is heat staked to the film.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The stand-uppouch of claim 1, wherein the stand-up pouch includes a gusseted bottom.11. The stand-up pouch of claim 1, wherein the stand-up pouch includes aflat bottom.
 12. The stand-up pouch of claim 1, wherein theliquid-exuding product is frozen fresh foodstuff.
 13. The stand-up pouchof claim 1, wherein the stand-up pouch is formed by a vertical form filland seal machine.
 14. The stand-up pouch of claim 1, wherein thestand-up pouch is formed by a horizontal form fill and seal machine. 15.(canceled)
 16. The stand-up pouch claim 1, wherein the stand-up pouch isformed from the single sheet of film.
 17. The stand-up pouch of claim 1,wherein the stand-up pouch is formed from the two or more sheets offilm.
 18. A stand-up pouch formed of one or more sheets of film, anonwoven heat staked to an interior surface of the pouch, absorbentmaterial in the form of loose granules or powder being at leastpartially surrounded by the nonwoven, the nonwoven including a sheathcore formed of a polypropylene (PP)-polyethylene (PE) composition. 19.The stand-up pouch of claim 18, wherein the pouch contains seafood. 20.(canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled)
 23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)25. (canceled)
 26. (canceled)
 27. (canceled)
 28. (canceled) 29.(canceled)
 30. (canceled)
 31. (canceled)
 32. The stand-up pouch of claim18, wherein the stand-up pouch includes a gusseted bottom.